We Are Not So Different

Across this world are 196 different countries with their own cultures, languages and traditions. Some countries differ more in comparison to others, but there is usually the general consensus that each and every corner of this world is a little different than home.

There is without a doubt many differences throughout this world. But what about all the similarities?

Julie and I have daily come upon multiple similarities between our host family here in central Austria to our own life and family back home in Wisconsin.

First and foremost, both of our families make a living as farmers. This itself has proved to have so many similar lifestyle similarities. These include the early mornings working and the always happening afternoon chores. The hurrying up with chores and quickly running through the shower to get to somewhere in the evening. In addition, Julie and I see the partnership and teamwork between our host family parents as well as our own parents back home. Not only do they live and love together but work and communicate and get things done together.

Both of our families share in meals together. And even at home, here the phone never takes a break during dinner or supper and our host 'mom' shows her faint annoyance at the ringing that always interrupts.  That, along with the daughters 'sharing' with their mom even when she doesn't offer always makes us chuckle and are reminded of home.

Other similarities include the pride an older sibling has for their younger sisters or brothers. That is something that a different culture doesn't change.

And there is so much more that we experienced that would have Julie and I looking to each other and smiling. There was teasing and talks of marriage between Julie and the neighbor farmer. We all shared in the love for chocolate cake. After supper we would sit and laugh and chat together, sometimes sitting for over an hour after the  food had been put away.

Even more similarities would arise throughout our time with this family. Constant running to take or pick up kids. Missing baby animals when sold to another farm. Staying out later to get more work done when it is nice. Taking a packed lunch along with sandwiches when there was so time to come in for lunch.

Each of our families come from very different countries with such different traditions and cultural values, and yet, Julie and I found so many principle similarities that made our time with this amazing family that much more wonderful. We were so comfortable with the tasks of the farm as well as with the routine and harmony of the family. They welcomed us with open arms and we thoroughly enjoyed sharing in their Austrian culture and realizing again how we as people are not so different.

We shared our family's "special birthday cake" with our host family. They enjoyed it so much, we made a second one before we left!

We started and finished chores early and rushed to get to a concert of our "host sister!"